GRIMSBY Town's boss admits he is "hopeful, rather than confident" that Scott Neilson will sign a new deal with Grimsby Town.
The winger returned from his holiday last week to be met with a contract offer from the Mariners for the 2014/15 campaign.
Five days on, the 27-year-old is yet to decide whether to accept those terms – and Paul Hurst remains none the wiser.
"I'm hopeful, rather than confident, of Scott agreeing a deal," Hurst told the Telegraph.
"It's not the be-all and end-all, but you have to build relationships with players.
"They're the ones that go out and perform, and if they're really unhappy with you as a manager you're not going to get the best out of them.
"With Scott, there's an understanding between us that perhaps he hasn't always had with other managers.
"He's enjoying his football, which is important to Scott, and he comes in with a smile on his face.
"We've even had conversations recently where he's said that he enjoys coming in to training!"
After netting six goals and creating 11 others during his first full season with the Mariners, Neilson's return would represent a real boost for the club and its supporters.
"He's a fans' favourites and he gives the crowd a lift at times when the ball reaches him and he starts running at defenders," Hurst commented
"It's not always going to come off for him, but it's certainly exciting for the crowd to watch.
"So hopefully we will get positive news on that one because I do see him as a bit of a game-changer that not all teams are fortunate enough to have."
Hurst also believes that location won't be a problem after the Enfield-born wideman moved to the area with his girlfriend last year.
"He's relocated up here, and I don't think that's an issue at this moment in time," he added.
"They're quite happy in the area, so that's another positive and gives me hope that it will be a positive outcome.
"I don't think there's any great desire to get down south for him at the moment."
